Many installers do not seal grout because you have to wait at least 30 days after installation to do so. As a result, unfortunately many homeowners never realize they have not sealed their grout until it is too late. If you are in doubt then I would suggest sealing your grout soon. There are two types of sealant commonly used. The first is a penetrating sealer that chemically attaches itself to the grout to repel water. The second is a topical sealer that coats the surface of the grout and repels stains and water. There are pros and cons to both.

The topical sealer will eventually wear off and need to be reapplied. Application is usually needed once every two years. This option sometimes leaves a plastic appearance to the grout and should not be used in areas that get extremely wet like showers. The main benefit of this type of sealant is that it is less expensive and easy to apply. Obviously, the penetrating sealers will be more expensive and last longer. They are more appropriate for wet environments like a tub or shower. Whichever type you choose make sure that you allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to dry before walking on or using the tiled area.

Even if you keep your grout clean and use sealant, it may be necessary to repair your tile grout at some point. You will know it is time for repair when the grout has started to crack or tile has started to come loose. I would recommend that you hire a professional to do it, but if you are feeling confident about your home improvement skills then you can try to do it yourself. The project usually means re-grouting the worn or cracked areas and then sealing them. The new grout will need at least 48 hours to harden before sealing. Making the grout look even and not ruing your tile can be tricky so that is why I strongly recommend professional help.